What people need to know about Indiana weed, traffic & gun laws ahead of Indy 500
About 300,000 people will be in Speedway, Indiana, for the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 this weekend. Quite a few of the out-of-staters amongst them will be met with Hoosier hospitality and possibly the reality check of a few laws they didn't know about.
Here are six laws out-of-staters should take note of while they travel through the "Crossroads of America" and tailgate at the 500.
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No, weed is not legal here
Indiana is not one of the states that has jumped on the marijuana legalization bandwagon, so leave your hash at home. Neither medical nor recreational use is allowed.
A low-level possession charge is a class B misdemeanor possibly leading up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Visitors may see dispensaries for what's called "Delta 8," which is from the cannabis plant but much lower in THC.
Cold beer only at the liquor store
Fun fact: Indiana regulates alcohol based on temperature and is one of the only states to do so.
That means you'll only find cold beer in liquor stores, not grocery stores or pharmacies. Room-temperature beer is up for grabs.
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No alcohol sales before noon or after 8 p.m. on Sundays
If you need to buy beer before the race Sunday morning, you're out of luck. Liquor can only be sold between noon and 8 p.m. on Sundays; until 2018, it used to be illegal to sell it any time on Sunday.
If you plan to have beer in your cooler for the 500, go shopping the night before.
Sports betting is legal
It is legal to use mobile sports betting apps and play fantasy leagues. Details and rules can be found on the Indiana Gaming Commission website.
Handgun permits are not required
People over 18 can carry a handgun without needing to first obtain a permit or subsequent background check. People who were previously barred from having a firearm can be charged if they are caught with one.
Firearms and other weapons are prohibited on Indianapolis Motor Speedway property.
What to know: Gov. Holcomb signs bill eliminating permit requirement to carry handguns in Indiana
U-turns at stoplights
If you got yourself lost and need to turn around, drivers in Indiana can do a U-turn at a stop light if they are in the left turn lane and there is a median. Several intersections have been retrofitted to accommodate drivers doing so.
Check road signs before pulling the maneuver in case local authorities disallow a certain intersection.
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Contact IndyStar Pulliam Fellow Cate Charron at ccharron@indystar.com or follow her on Twitter @catecharron.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana laws on marijuana, alcohol, guns and driving people should know
